Some epics make 3.5hrs fly by. This was not one of them. Turgid, baggy, over-long and - I hate to say it - just not pretty enough to justify that crime against narrative fiction.
I’d love to say that there were interesting shots in there to make up for the lack of any energy or heart. I can’t. Crying in an accent is catnip to the Academy, so I dare say that Oscars are coming - but I’ll be shooting…
Not the funniest episode of Father Ted I’ve ever seen, but a wonderful film nonetheless.
I’ve been discussing issues (both regulatory and culturally) around the question of ‘what makes a film British’ with my students this week and Conclave bears mentioning in that conversation. World-class acting, lots of extended scenes of dialogue to allow actors to show their mettle, almost leaning into the dramatic tradition of Shakespeare. Though it may not feel British on its surface, it is absolutely a British film in its bones.
Beautifully shot to make the most of all those red-robed performers, and highly recommended for your Sunday afternoon viewing.
Superman was the first film I ever reviewed. I was 6yrs old and I penned the following (with illustration!) in my ‘what I did at the weekend book’ at school…
“Watched Superman with my Dad. It was quite funny and a bit sensible. Do you know what Superman did? He broke one of his laws which was interferring with humman history. “
Spelling errors (intact for your amusement) aside, I think it holds up as a review. From that first…
